Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to pay tribute to the legendary statesman and former chief minister Biju Patnaik on his birth centenary tomorrow.
The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the purpose. Huge billboards and hoardings with life-size images of Biju Patnaik dot the landscape of Bhubaneswar ahead of tomorrow’s centenary celebrations.
A grand commemoration ceremony has been organised by the ruling Biju Janta Dal (BJD) at Baramunda ground. A massive stage has been prepared for the occasion and senior leaders of BJD today reviewed arrangements for the event.
Moreover, the members of five committees formed for the centenary celebrations of Biju Patnaik met at the party office in Bhubaneswar and reviewed the arrangements.
All eminent leaders of the party will address the gathering on the occasion and will highlight Biju Patnaik’s contribution to the Nation and Odisha, his bravery and his vision. According to sources, the ruling party will announce various programs and projects on the occasion as a tribute to the great leader.
“We will try and spread the message of Biju Patnaik’s vision of Odisha’s progress, upliftment of Odias, proper utilization of Odisha’s natural resources,” said convener of the Biju Patnaik birth centenary celebration committee, Bedprakash Agrawal.
BJD vice president and Excise minister Damodar Rout has organised another meeting to commemorate the late leader at Paradip.
On the other hand, the Panchayatiraj department will observe the State Panchayati Raj Day tomorrow, for which extensive preparations have been made by the department. The Panchayati Raj Day will focus on development of rural infrastructure and ways to enhance the standard of living in the hinterlands. Panchayati Raj minister Arun Sahoo today reviewed the preparations for the meeting at Janta Maidan here.
“The main objective the Panchayati Raj department is development of rural infrastructure and how to boost employment. This program aims to further expedite the development process,” Sahoo said.
Meanwhile, the BJP criticized the celebration of the Panchayati Raj Day alleging that the State government is guilty of depriving the panchayats of their legal rights.
“When will the government spell out the rules of the implemented Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act? When will the government decontrol the financial assistance of Rs 80 lakh provided by the Central government to the panchayats?” asked BJP leader Samir Mohanty.
Responding to BJP's criticism, BJD spokesperson, Pratap Jena said, "These are baseless allegations made by BJP which only shows its desperation."